--> Abstract: Cretaceous-Paleocene Source Rocks And Oils In West Greenland, by J. A. Bojesen-Koefoed, F. G. Christiansen, G. Dam, H. P. Nytoft, and H. Nøhr-Hansen; #90923 (1999)

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BOJESEN-KOEFOED, J. A., F. G. CHRISTIANSEN, G. DAM, H. P. NYTOFT, and H. NØHR-HANSEN, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract: Cretaceous-Paleocene Source Rocks And Oils In West Greenland

Documentation of oil-prone source rocks within Cretaceous-Paleocene successions is a critical factor for evaluating the exploration potential of many basins in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions where "traditional" Jurassic source rocks are missing or very deeply buried.

Extensive field work and core drilling in the Nuussuaq Basin, onshore West Greenland throughout the 1990s have provided a detailed knowledge of the distribution and geochemical characteristics of organic-rich Cretaceous Paleocene sediments.The succession is well-dated by palynology and there is a good understanding of the sedimentary facies distribution.A distinct stratigraphic and facies control on the geochemical pattern of the organic-rich units has been found, especially on the distribution of angiosperm biomarkers, which have proved particularly useful for correlation purposes.

Geochemical studies of widespread oil seepage and oil impregnation, especially within Paleocene volcanics, have documented at least 5 distinct oil types that can be correlated to known Cenomanian-Turonian, Campanian and Paleocene deltaic to marine mudstones and in other cases to inferred nonmarine or lacustrine Cretaceous source rocks. Many of the oil samples show evidence of facies variations within the generating source rocks and mixing of oils during migration, accumulation and leakage.

Although the distribution and generative potential of oilprone Cretaceous-Paleocene source rocks in West Greenland are not yet completely understood, the encouraging data obtained so far have been an important factor in attracting the industry to renewed exploration on- and offshore West Greenland.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90923@1999 International Conference and Exhibition, Birmingham, England